Eye Candy: Damien Richards

Killing Me Softly

Meet Damien Richards, 30, a single New York-based singer/songwriter/musician with a dazzling smile who can strum your pain with his fingers and sing your life with his words.

BY DEMETRIA L. LUCAS

Photo by Jennifer Cooper

Practice Makes Perfect

2/15

I practice my songs on the guitar for at least 2 to 3 hours a day, 7 days a week," says Damien, who mixes alternative rock with R&B.

When he’s not playing his own music, he studies the work of musical greats from the 70s such as Led Zeppelin, Marvin Gaye, Donnie Hathaway and The Impressions.

Photo by Jennifer Cooper

Are You Experienced?

3/15

When it comes to his songwriting, Damien draws from his personal life. “A lot of songwriters write stories like I do,” says Damien. “There’s some similarities, but I have unique experiences and a unique story. My songs are my take on what I’ve been through.”

Photo by Jennifer Cooper

Hard Knock Life

4/15

When it comes to storytelling, Damien is drawn more to rockers like Goo Goo Dolls and Smashing Pumpkins, than say Ne-Yo. “I go for the rougher side of storytelling,” says Damien. “I’m not as smooth as I want to be sometimes.”

Photo by Jennifer Cooper

Express Yourself

5/15

Damien began teaching himself to play the guitar about 8 years ago.

“I was forced to learn,” he says. “I wanted to express myself through music. A lot of other musicians and producers that I came in contact with, they weren’t seeing my vision. I decided not to depend on anyone to play my music.”

Photo by Jennifer Cooper

Musical Underground

6/15

When Damien was just starting out with his music, he played in the New York City subway system.

“I was just eager to let people hear that I could play,” he recalls. “It’s part of paying dues. You want to be able to say you did it. It’s part of the struggling musician mystique.”

Photo by Jennifer Cooper

Eye on the Prize

7/15

For now, Damien’s put performing on hold to work on his next live-studio album. He has a home studio where he does his production and his vocals.

Photo by Jennifer Cooper

Transitions

8/15

Damien moved to Queens from Trinidad when he was 13. And of course, there are times when he misses his home.

“I miss the nature of the countryside where I grew up,” says Damien. “I lived close to the water, to the lagoon. My younger days were very country. I miss the forest and the salt water.”

Photo by Jennifer Cooper

The Prototype

9/15

Damien is very single. Are you his type?

“I’m looking for chemistry more than anything,” says Damien. “I have no particular preference for size or height or hair cut or texture. I just like people that are down to earth and outgoing and smart.”

Photo by Jennifer Cooper

Let's Get It On

10/15

Damien’s ideal of romance is simple and classic.

“I’m all about the right setting behind closed doors,” he says. “Candles to set the mood, fruits, and lots of lovemaking. It should be a slow, prolonged process.”